Crimping Apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for crimping an end fitting onto a flexible drilling hose is described. The apparatus includes a frame supporting a plurality of crimping dies arranged in a circular pattern and extending along a radial axis from a common longitudinal axis. The frame is manually movable along a linear slideway parallel to said longitudinal axis to position said crimping dies with respect to the assembly to be crimped.

BACKGROUND

The present developments relate generally to apparatuses used to crimp a fitting on a flexible high-pressure hose and the like. More specifically, the developments relate to crimping apparatuses that actuate a plurality of crimping dies to a desired crimp diameter on the fitting.

In particular reference is made to a crimping apparatus for crimping a ferrule on a hose provided with an insert, in order to realize a connection system for the hose without any leakage. More particularly reference is made to a radial crimping apparatus that permits axial hose assemblies (end to end) to be crimped. In particular the crimp may be concentric throughout the entire crimp operation.

Specifically, but not exclusively, the developments can be usefully applied for crimping flexible high-pressure hose assemblies, for example drilling hose assemblies. More specifically, the developments can be used to crimp large bore hose assemblies (e.g. hose assemblies with internal diameter larger than about 5 cm).

It is known that a flexible hose, which is normally used to transport a fluid, can be connected to an end fitting by crimping a portion of the end fitting over the hose. The end fitting typically comprises an inner portion interposed within the hose and an outer portion (ferrule) that is crimped in a binding connection with the hose. The crimp operation comprises plastically deforming the outer portion. A prior crimp apparatus typically includes multiple dies. In the known crimping technique to connect a metal ferrule on a flexible high-pressure hose, generally eight dies move in radial direction onto the hose fitting, wherein the final diameter of the ferrule is adjusted with the same dies. Through this technology, the tolerances of the different parts (ferrule, hose, etc.) can be compensated.

Prior developments include—see for example each of patent publications WO 2007/110736 and WO 2007/012411—an apparatus for crimping a fitting onto a flexible hose, wherein a frame supports a plurality of crimping dies arranged in an annular pattern; each die extends along a radial axis from a common longitudinal axis and has a first end configured to provide a desired crimp pattern; the crimping dies move radially with respect to the frame throughout a crimping operation.

The crimping apparatus of this known type is heavy equipment that is generally fixed on the floor. In use, the hose together with the ferrule and the insert are introduced into the crimping head. For small hose sizes, for example up to about 5 cm, the hose weight is reasonable and therefore the assembly can be easily manually handled by an operator. However, for hose internal diameters larger than about 5 cm, the hoses become very heavy and specific tools are required to handle the hoses and position them into the crimping head. This occurs, for example, in drilling hose assembling operations where large bore hoses and very long length assemblies, which are difficult to move, are involved. These known tools include lifting equipment for pushing the hose inside the crimping head. This positioning operation can be quite problematic and difficult in order to achieve a correct relative arrangement between the crimping head and the object to be crimped.

Improvements to the apparatuses and techniques used to crimp a ferrule on a flexible hose are desirable.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present developments is to provide a crimping apparatus able to correctly position the object to be crimped with respect to the crimping means.

An advantage may include making a crimping apparatus able to crimp a metal ferrule on a flexible hose provided with an insert, with relatively high reliability and accuracy.

Another advantage may include realizing a crimping apparatus that is suitable for relatively large bore hose fittings (in particular with hoses having internal diameter larger than about 5 cm), e.g. drilling hose fittings.

Another possible advantage may give rise to a crimping apparatus that is constructionally simple and cheap.

A still further possible advantage may provide a crimping apparatus that is able to realize a connection system for a flexible hose without any leakage.

An advantage may make a crimping apparatus that is able to eliminate the difficulties linked to introducing the flexible hose into the crimping head.

An advantage may provide for correctly positioning the ferrule with respect to the crimping head in easy and fast manner.

An advantage may include provision for correctly positioning the ferrule at the centre of the crimping head, or at the position-mark predisposed on the dies of the crimping head.

An advantage may give rise to a crimping apparatus that is suitable for crimping a ferrule generally made of metal onto a hose generally made of a material comprising rubber and/or thermoplastic material. The hose may be reinforced, for example by means of steel wires and/or steel cord and/or textile reinforcement.

Another advantage may provide a crimping apparatus that is able, particularly thanks to its architecture, to compensate the movement of the crimping dies (especially the linear movement along the central axis of the crimping dies) during the crimping operation.

An advantage may provide for compensating the increasing length of the ferrule, due to its deformation, during the crimping of the ferrule onto the hose.

Such aspects and advantages, and still others, may be achieved by the crimping apparatus and the use thereof according to one or more of the appended claims.

A crimping apparatus may be configured so that the crimping head can be easily moved in order to adjust the relative position between the crimping head and the object to be crimped. The object to be crimped generally include an assembly having a (metal) ferrule that is mounted on the end of a long length (e.g. longer than 10 m, or longer than 20 m, or longer than 30 m), large bore hose (e.g. internal diameter larger than 5 cm), which is heavy to be moved and hard to be correctly positioned.

The crimping head may be coupled to a guide arrangement fixed to a base of the apparatus so as to be movable with respect to the base in order to adjust the position of the crimping head. The crimping apparatus may be configured to move the crimping head in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the crimping head around which the crimping dies are circumferentially arranged. An advantage may be that the crimping head can be easily moved, for example in a totally manual way.

The crimping apparatus may be used for crimping an end fitting onto a flexible drilling hose. The crimping apparatus may include a frame supporting a plurality of crimping dies arranged in a circular pattern and extending along a radial axis from a common longitudinal axis. The frame may be (manually) moved along a linear slideway parallel to the longitudinal axis in order to position the crimping dies with respect to the assembly to be crimped.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present developments can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings that illustrate an implementation thereof by way of non-limiting example. The drawings, which are a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the present developments and together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles of the present developments. A brief description of the drawings is as follows.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a crimping apparatus according to the present developments.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a detail of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a detail of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic section in a vertical plane of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic section of the assembly to be crimped by the apparatus of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the presently-described developments which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a crimping apparatus 1 according to the present developments, while FIG. 5 shows schematically an exemplary object 2 to be crimped. The object 2 includes an end fitting typically used to terminate a (flexible high-pressure) hose. The end fitting may include a tubular element 3 having an end portion inserted into an end portion of the hose 4. A ferrule 5, e.g. a metal ferrule, may be used to connect the tubular element 3 with the end of the hose 4. The ferrule 5 may comprise an annular clamp that is configured to hold together and attach the hose end and the fitting by deforming the ferrule to permanently tighten it onto the parts that it holds. The ferrule 5 is therefore mechanically deformed and compressed (crimped) tightly around the ends to be connected. The crimping is accomplished with the crimping apparatus 1. The crimping force will be exerted on an external surface 6 of the ferrule 5. The finished crimped connection will be fluid-tight. The finished crimped connection will have a fluid-tight annular zone 7 between an internal surface of the hose and an external surface of the tubular element 3 inserted into the hose end.

The hose 4 may be, as in the exemplary implementation shown in FIG. 1, a drilling hose that can reach 30 meter length and more than 400 kg weight. In FIG. 1 a conveying arrangement of known type (e.g. an arrangement with several carriages) to transport a drilling hose is shown.

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the crimping apparatus 1 for attaching end fittings on to high pressure hoses and the like includes a plurality of crimping dies 8. The crimping dies 8 are arranged in an annular (circular) pattern. The crimping dies 8 are spaced about a crimp area 9. Each crimping die 8 may extend along a radial axis from a common longitudinal axis X (FIG. 4 shows a three dimensional Cartesian coordinate system with axes X, Y, Z). Each crimping die 8 may have a first end configured to provide a desired crimp pattern in the crimp area 9.

As in the exemplary implementation shown in the drawings, there may be eight crimping dies 8 uniformly spaced about the (circular) crimp area 9, or at about 45 DEG between adjacent dies. Each crimping die 8 may have substantially the same radial length. Each crimping die 8 may be radially opposite another of the crimping dies.

The crimping apparatus 1 may also include an anvil arrangement which may be conveniently connected to an actuating device (not shown) such as a pneumatic or hydraulic ram or other suitable device. The actuating device may include a linear mover selectively providing a linear force parallel to the (horizontal) axis X. The anvil arrangement may include a base plate 10 and an anvil ring 11. At least one of the components of the anvil arrangement may be selectively coupled to the linear mover. The crimping dies 8 may be interposed between the base plate 10 and the anvil ring 11. The anvil ring 11 defines a generally frusto-conical surface 12. The base plate 10 defines an aperture. The longitudinal axis X extends through the (central) aperture.

The crimping apparatus 1 includes a frame 13 that may support the plurality of crimping dies 8 and/or the anvil arrangement. The crimping dies 8 may be movable radially with respect to the frame 13 throughout a crimping operation.

The frame 13 is movable in a positioning direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X to (axially) position the crimping dies 8 with respect to the assembly to be crimped. The actuating device may be partially or entirely supported by the frame 13.

The anvil arrangement may be selectively movable with respect to the frame 13 between an uncrimp configuration and a crimp configuration. With reference to the specific embodiment, in the uncrimp configuration the base plate 10 and the anvil ring 11 are relatively spaced apart. In the crimp configuration the base plate 10 and the anvil ring 11 are relatively closer one to the other. The anvil arrangement is movable between the uncrimp and crimp configurations in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The anvil ring 11 may be, for example, moved by the actuating device in the direction parallel to the axis X.

Each crimping die 8 may have a second end opposite the first end. Each second end may be configured for slidable contact with the anvil arrangement. In particular the anvil arrangement may have an anvil cam portion (comprising the frusto-conical surface 12 in the specific implementation) in contact with die cam portions 14 of the crimping dies during a crimping operation. Each die cam portion 14 may be located on the second end of the respective crimping die 8. The second die end of each crimping die 8 may have a substantially flat die cam portion 14 which engages the operatively associated anvil cam portion (frusto-conical surface 12). The substantially flat die cam portions 14 on the second ends of the crimping dies are all arranged at a predetermined angle relative to the corresponding crimping die radial axis. The frusto-conical cam surface 12 is inclined at the same angle.

As in the exemplary implementation, the frame 13 may be slidably coupled to a linear slideway 15 parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The linear slideway 15 may include a rail. The linear slideway 15 may be fixed to the floor. In particular the slideway may be associated (e.g. rigidly connected) to a base 19 of the apparatus. The base 19 may be fixed to the floor. The frame 13 may be configured so as to be movable, by sliding along the linear slideway 15, in the positioning direction under manual force from an operator. The frame may be provided with wheels coupled to the slideway. In particular the frame 13 may be provided with wheels slidably coupled to a rail.

As in the exemplary implementation shown in the drawings, the anvil arrangement (particularly the base plate 10 and/or the anvil ring 11) may be supported by the frame 13.

Each die cam portion 14 may be orientated at a predetermined angle relative to the corresponding crimping die radial axis. The die cam portions 14 are urged against the anvil cam portion (surface 12) by spring means that may operate between the crimping dies 8 and the frame 13 or the anvil arrangement. The crimping dies 8 are moved under force from the anvil arrangement. When the anvil arrangement is moved by the actuating device from the uncrimp configuration towards the crimp configuration, the crimping dies 8 are radially inwardly moved in virtue of the cam engagement so as to reach the desired crimp diameter of the crimp area 9. The crimping dies 8 may be moved by the anvil arrangement maintaining a concentric crimp throughout a crimping operation. In the exemplar implementation the anvil arrangement is configured so as to be in a terminal crimp configuration when the crimping dies 8 are arranged in a circular pattern with a diameter larger than 5 cm, or larger than 7 cm, or larger than 9 cm. The increasing length of the ferrule due to its deformation during the crimping operation can be compensated. The tolerances of the various parts of the assembly can be compensated. The crimping apparatus permits an easy check of the crimp diameter after the crimping operation.

The anvil arrangement is forced to the crimp configuration so that the crimping dies 8 will be all moved towards the central crimp area 9. The crimping dies 8 may be moved at the same rate, maintaining concentricity at each point during a crimping cycle. The crimping dies 8 may have substantially the same dimensions and may be interchangeable. The final crimp diameter can be easily adjusted by selecting the appropriate radial length of the dies 8. The apparatus may include a control unit configured to control the operation of the apparatus. In particular the control unit may be configured to control the final crimp diameter. The control unit may be operatively associated to a position sensor configured to detect the position (in the X-axis) of the crimping dies, or the object to be crimped, or to detect the relative position (in the X-axis) between the crimping dies and the object to be crimped. The position sensor may include, for example, a dimensional or distance measurement device, e.g. an electronic Vernier measuring device.

The crimping apparatus 1 may include a holding arrangement configured to hang the assembly to be crimped (the ferrule 5 with the tubular element 3 and the end of the hose 4) in a suspended manner so as to adjust the position of the assembly to be crimped with respect to the crimping dies 8 in a vertical plane that is normal to the longitudinal axis X. The vertical plane is parallel to a plane defined by the axes Y, Z. The holding arrangement may include, as in the exemplar implementation, a portal structure 16 and a lifting device 17, e.g. a lifting pulley device. The lifting device 17 may be configured to lift in a suspended manner the assembly to be crimped. The lifting device 17 is able to vary the position of the assembly to be crimped along the vertical plane.

The frame 13 may be coupled to the linear slideway 15, as in the exemplar implementation, by means of wheels 18.

In use, the positioning of the object to be crimped with respect to the crimping dies 8 along the axes Y and Z is performed by the holding arrangement, whilst the positioning along the axis X is made by axially moving the crimping head formed by the frame 13 and the crimping dies 8, and eventually by the anvil arrangement and/or the actuating device thereof.

Thanks to the above arrangement and use, the positioning in the X axis can be accurate. In particular a precision of at least about +/−2.5 mm, and even better, may be easily achieved in the X axis. It is observed that, whatever the diameter of the hose 4, in particular for large bore hoses (e.g. internal diameter larger than 5 cm, or larger than 7 cm, or larger than 9 cm), there is no need for the hose to be pulled along the X axis in order to adjust the X positioning. Thanks to the possibility of positioning in the X direction the crimping head (and/or the whole crimping apparatus), the hose can be positioned, eventually, only in the Y, Z plane. The crimping head positioning in the X direction may be performed with a manual moving of the crimping head (in particular of the frame 13) on its base (linear slideway 15 or rail or base 19) instead of moving the heavy hose itself.

The drawings show only one example of a crimping apparatus according to the present developments. The example should not be viewed in a limited way to a certain number of dies or angle of orientation. The symmetrical orientation of the dies may be used to simplify the design of the crimping apparatus. The crimping dies may be of substantially the same radial length. The crimping dies may be provided with a flat die cam surface. The orientation of the cam surfaces may be selected relative to the corresponding crimping die radial axis on which it exerts force to provide uniform rates of moving of the dies. The crimping head may be coupled to an external support (e.g. the floor-standing base 19 or basement of the crimping apparatus) by means of a linear slideway, although other coupling means can be used to move the crimping head in order to adjust its position along the X direction. The crimping head may be movably coupled to an external support by means of wheels and rail, or a ram, or a saddle and the like.

The embodiments of the present developments disclosed herein have been discussed for the purpose of familiarizing the reader with novel aspects of the present developments. Although specific embodiments have been shown and described, many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having skill in the art without unnecessarily departing from the present developments. Having described specific aspects and embodiments of the present developments, modifications of the disclosed concepts may readily occur to one skilled in the art. It is intended that such modifications be included within the scope of the claims which are appended hereto. 

1. An apparatus for crimping a fitting onto a flexible hose, the apparatus comprising a frame supporting a plurality of crimping dies, said crimping dies being arranged in an annular pattern, each of said crimping dies extending along a radial axis from a common longitudinal axis, each of said crimping dies having a first end configured to provide a desired crimp pattern, said crimping dies moving radially with respect to said frame throughout a crimping operation, said frame being movably coupled to a guide arrangement in a positioning direction parallel to said longitudinal axis to position said crimping dies with respect to the assembly to be crimped.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said guide arrangement comprises a slideway to which said frame is slidably coupled.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said slideway comprises a linear slideway parallel to said longitudinal axis.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 3, comprising an anvil arrangement and an holding arrangement, said anvil arrangement being supported by said frame, said anvil arrangement being selectively movable with respect to said frame between an uncrimp configuration and a crimp configuration, each of said crimping dies having a second end opposite said first end, said second end being configured for slidable contact with said anvil arrangement, said anvil arrangement having an anvil cam portion in contact with die cam portions of said second ends of said crimping dies throughout a crimping operation, said die cam portions being arranged at a predetermined angle relative to the corresponding crimping die radial axis, said die cam portions being urged against said anvil cam portion by spring means, said crimping dies being arranged in a circular pattern and being moved under force from said anvil arrangement maintaining a concentric crimp throughout a crimping operation, said longitudinal axis being horizontal, said holding arrangement being configured to hang the assembly to be crimped in a suspended manner so as to adjust the position of the assembly to be crimped with respect to said crimping dies in a vertical plane normal to said longitudinal axis.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising an anvil arrangement supported by said frame, said anvil arrangement being selectively movable with respect to said frame between an uncrimp configuration and a crimp configuration, each of said crimping dies having a second end opposite said first end, said second end being configured for slidable contact with said anvil arrangement, said anvil arrangement having an anvil cam portion in contact with die cam portions of said second ends of said crimping dies throughout a crimping operation, said die cam portions being disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the corresponding crimping die radial axis, said crimping dies being arranged in a circular pattern and moving under force from said anvil arrangement maintaining a concentric crimp throughout a crimping operation.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said anvil arrangement is movable with respect to said frame between the uncrimp and crimp configurations in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said die cam portions are urged against said anvil cam portion by spring means.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a base for supporting said frame, said guide arrangement comprising a slideway, said frame being slidably coupled to said slideway, said slideway being rigidly connected to said base.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a base for supporting said frame, said guide arrangement comprising a slideway rigidly connected to said base, said slideway comprising a rail, said frame being provided with wheels coupled with said rail.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a holding arrangement configured to support the assembly to be crimped so as the position thereof is adjustable along a plane that is normal to said longitudinal axis.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said longitudinal axis is substantially horizontal and said holding arrangement is configured to hang the assembly to be crimped in a suspended manner.
 12. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said crimping dies are movable radially with respect to said frame under force from an actuating device at least partially supported by said frame.
 13. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said frame is movable in said positioning direction under manual force from an operator. 